LOST CREEK TIMES
June 2015
THE LOST CREEK TIMES A Newsletter for the Lost Creek Community The Lost Creek Times is a monthly newsletter mailed to all Lost Creek residents. Each newsletter will be filled with valuable information about the community, local area activities, school information, and more. If you are involved with a school group, play group, scouts, sports team, social group, etc., and would like to submit an article for the newsletter, you can do so online at www. PEELinc.com. Personal news (announcements, accolades/ honors/ celebrations, etc.) are also welcome as long as they are from area residents. GO GREEN! Subscribe via Peelinc.com to have an email sent to you with a link to a PDF of the newsletter, or have an email sent to you instead of having a newsletter mailed to you!
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
News for the Residents of Lost Creek
Volume 8, Issue 6
Nature Watch
SERIOUS ABOUT SALAMANDERS by Jim and Lynne Weber Humans often wonder why efforts are made to protect biodiversity and save endangered species. Biodiversity is defined as the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, and preserving it provides us with
Blind Salamander tremendous and vital benefits. Among others, these benefits include air purification, medicines for better health, fresh water, pollination of crops, carbon sequestration (or storage), and preserving the fertility of the soil. Fore st s p ur i f y o u r air by f il t e r in g particulates and regulating the composition of the atmosphere. They act as massive carbon reservoirs, essential to the Earth’s global carbon cycle, and significantly contribute to regulating the global climate. Natural forest soils, with their active microbial and animal populations, have a higher content of total nutrients and biomass, supplying the right nutrients to plants in the right proportions. Soils and wetlands also act as a filter for water, helping to reduce nitrogen loading, which is a significant form
of pollution that occurs as a side effect of development in many parts of the world. Roughly 50% of the medicines currently available are derived from natural products. Of these, at least 120 chemical compounds derived from 90 different plant species are critically important drugs in use around the world today. Many flowering plants rely on a great variety of animals to pollinate them, including one third of the world’s food crops. In the U.S., it has been estimated that honeybees alone pollinate approximately $10 billion worth of crops. Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protected the Austin Blind Salamander (Eurycea waterlooensis), and the Jollyville Plateau Salamander (Eurycea tonkawae) in addition to a total of 4,451 acres of critical habitat. These
Jollyville Salamander salamanders live no where else in the world, and saving them is also an important step for our region’s long-term water quality and health. They cannot survive in waterways polluted with (Continued on Page 2) Lost Creek Times - June 2015
1
LOST CREEK TIMES (Continued from Cover)
NEWSLETTER INFO
pesticides, industrial chemicals, and other toxins, so they are excellent indicators of the health of the environment. The Austin Blind Salamander has external feathery gills, a pronounced extension of the snout, no external eyes, and weakly developed tail fins. It occurs in and around Barton Springs, which is fed by the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. The conditions that threaten this species include degradation of its aquatic habitat from pesticides and fertilizers, as well as low flow conditions in the aquifer and the springs. The Jollyville Plateau Salamander is physically similar to the Austin Blind Salamander, but has generally well-developed eyes, except for some cave-dwelling forms that exhibit eye reduction, head flattening, and loss of color. Typically, their habitat is spring-fed, and they occur in depths of less than one foot of cool, well-oxygenated water. While this salamander lives in the Jollyville Plateau and Brushy Creek areas, significant population declines have been observed, likely as a result of degrading water quality from rapid urban development. Perhaps one of the most fundamental benefits of saving endangered species is an aesthetic one, as the loss of biodiversity impoverishes our world of natural beauty, both for ourselves and for future generations. It is yet another good reason for us to be serious about salamanders!
NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER Peel, Inc........................ www.PEELinc.com, 512-263-9181 Article
[email protected] [email protected], 512-263-9181 ADVERTISING INFORMATION Please support the businesses that advertise in the Lost Creek Times. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all The Lost Creek residents to receive the monthly newsletter at no charge. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at 888-687-6444 or advertising@PEELinc. com. The advertising deadline is the 8th of each month for the following month's newsletter.
DON'T WANT TO WAIT FOR THE MAIL? Sign up to receive The Lost Creek Times in your inbox. Visit PEELinc.com for details.
NOBODY IS DROWNPROOF WATCH & KEEP KIDS IN ARM’S REACH
www.colinshope.org
COLIN HOLST
THESE TIPS CAN SAVE LIVES
CONSTANT VISUAL SUPERVISION
LEARN TO SWIM
WEAR LIFE JACKETS
MULTIPLE BARRIERS AROUND WATER
KEEP YOUR HOME SAFER
CHECK WATER SOURCES FIRST
PRACTICE DRAIN SAFETY
BE SAFER IN OPEN WATER
LEARN CPR
LEARN MORE: www.colinshope.org/RESOURCES DROWNING IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH FOR CHILDREN UNDER FIVE, AND A LEADING CAUSE FOR CHILDREN AGES 1 - 14.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Children under the age of five are often at highest risk.
13 Texas children have already lost their lives to drowning in 2015 DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE 2
Lost Creek Times - June 2015
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
LOST CREEK TIMES
TENNIS TIPS
By USPTA/PTR Master Professional Fernando Velasco
“Tennis for Children 9-10 years old and under – Green Ball” This series of Tennis Tips are focused on how to involve children of all ages learning to play tennis and offering tips to the parents on how to assist at home. In the last issue I offered advice for children 9-10 years old and under playing with the softer orange ball and on a 60’ foot court. This issue, will focus on children 9 and 10 years old and under playing with the green soft ball and on a 78’ foot regular size court. Caption 1: Tennis Racket and balls: The children should be using rackets ranging in length from 25” to 27” long along with the green ball. These longer, lighter rackets and bouncier balls will make it easier for the child to control the swing and the point of contact with the ball. The appropriate racket to use will depend on the height of the child. Balls will bounce from 47” to 53”, which is within the comfort zone for most children of that age. Caption 2: Tennis Court: For those players ready to cover the regular size court, they will now be playing on a 78” x 36’ tennis court. Lines are now painted regular white making it much easier to see the ball landing, especially while the opponents are serving. Players need to be physically ready to cover the entire court. Caption 3: Make Tennis Your Kid’s New Pick-Up Game: Just like any other sport or skill, repetition is the key to learning. Once basic skills are learned the child will: • Receive Mind and Body Workout
• Develop Confidence and Character • Encourage Self-Control and Discipline • Improve Fitness and Focus • Offer Both Individual and Team Play • Encourage Cross-Training and Low Rate of Injury • Teach Problem Solving and Sportsmanship Children at this age are already playing points and are given tips on how to hit groundstrokes, volleys and serves with control. The USTA provides tournaments and leagues for children 10 and under using the green ball on the 78’ courts. Matches are normally 4 game sets and they are encouraged to play round robins and/ or consolation rounds. Tips to parents: • Take your child to a tennis court and encourage them to drop the ball and hit it on their own. • Afterwards, feed the green balls from your own service line to them standing on the opposite service line. Fee the ball softly and with control. Make them move very slowly and with body control. • Have them stand on their base line and feed balls next to them. Later move to the service line and once successful, move to the opposite side of the net.
Look in the next Newsletter for: “Tips for children 11 years old and older – Yellow Ball”. For more information about our programs and club information, you can visit us at www.greyrocktennis.com or call us at 512-301-8685. Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
Lost Creek Times - June 2015
3
LOST CREEK TIMES
CONSUMER ALERT Avoid the storm chaser roofing scam. Don’t let hail damage hurt your wallet and property value. Red flags homeowners should watch out for when selecting a contractor to fix storm damage • The disappearing deductible • Mysterious door to door salesman • Fluctuating bid • High pressure tactics First steps after the storm • Call your insurance agent • Ask agent about process • Wait to get estimates until after your adjuster has examined your roof Selecting contractors • Stay calm • Be proactive selecting a company
From design to print to mail, Quality Printing can help you with all of your printing needs!
• Avoid door to door solicitors • Do your research check with BBB , Angie’s List or similar • Don’t sign any document until you’re sure you’ve selected the contractor you want • Find a local reputable company • Make sure it is in writing • Verify bonding and insurance • Check the companies referrals from neighbors and others you trust • Avoid quick fixes and low prices • Avoid contractors willing to “Save your deductible” which is unlawful • Written manufacture warranties Protect your home and investment. Hire a local, well rated contractor
Call today for more info
512.263.9181
Or visit our website at: www.QualityPrintingofAustin.com 4
Lost Creek Times - June 2015
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
LOST CREEK TIMES
GET CPR AND FIRST AID TRAINING By: Who: Adults & Children 12 or older When: June 27th from 9:30am - 12:00pm Where: Aloha Event Center Hawaiian Falls Waterpark 18500 N SH 130, Pflugerville, TX 78660 How: Sign up at www.hope4minds.org (limited space) Cost: Suggested donation of $5 per person Certification: $20 for CPR (starts at 9:30am) $10 for First Aid (arrive at 10:30am) $25 for CPR and First Aid Certification is through the American Safety Health Institute (paid day of)
Each year 1 in 500 school-age children receive a brain injury serious enough to be hospitalized. Every day, about 10 people die from an accidental drowning.
PRESENTED BY:
For more information, contact
[email protected] HOPE4MINDS is a public charity organized to foster hope and enrich the lives of children with an acquired brain injury through support and education. Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
Lost Creek Times - June 2015
5
LOST CREEK TIMES At no time will any source be allowed to use the Lost Creek Times' contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel, Inc. The information in the Lost Creek Times is exclusively for the private use of Peel, Inc. DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. * The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. * Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. * Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.
NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE
Your newsletter is provided 100% Free of charge ... and is made possible by the advertisers within. Please frequent their businesses and let them know where you saw their advertisement. While there, be sure to say “Thanks!”
www.peelinc.com
STEVE’S PLUMBING REPAIR
STEVE’S PLUMBING STEVE’S REPAIR PLUMBING REPAIR Steve Brougher Master License: M-39722
• Water Pressure Problems • Sewer & Drain Service • Fiber Optic Drain Line Inspections • Free Estimates water pressure problems • Satisfaction Guaranteed sewer & drain service fiber optic drain line inspections free estimates satisfaction guaranteed
Master License: M-39722
Master
Brougher waterSteve pressure problems License: 512.276.7476 ∙ 2605 2605 Buell Ave M-39722 sewer & drain276-7476 service fiber opticBuell drain Ave line inspections 6
Lost Creek Times - June 2015
free estimates
satisfaction guaranteed Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
Steve Brougher 276-7476 ∙ 2605 Buell Ave
LOST CREEK TIMES
Attention KIDS: Send Us Your Masterpiece! Color the drawing below and mail the finished artwork to us at: Peel, Inc. - Kids Club 308 Meadowlark St Lakeway, TX 78734-4717 We will select the top few and post their artwork on our Facebook Page - Facebook.com/PeelInc. DUE: June 30th
Be sure to include the following so we can let you know! Name: _______________________________(first name, last initial)
Age:________________
LT Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
Lost Creek Times - June 2015
7
LOST CREEK TIMES
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PEEL, INC.
LT
8
Lost Creek Times - June 2015
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
